Rural Leaders New Zealand

The Rural Leader

Your latest issue.

Welcome to this edition of the Rural Leader. 

In recent months Paul Crick and Jack Cocks have joined the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust Board. Paul is an Independent Trustee, while Jack replaces outgoing Olivia Weatherburn as Associate. We share more about both Trustees.

Rural Leaders’ collaboration with Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence to research and design a leadership development ecosystem, sees the completion of the latest report.

A Path to Realising Leadership Potential in Aotearoa NZ’s Food and Fibre Sector ties together the work of the first two reports. We share a short article and this important new report with you. 

In the latest Ideas That Grow Podcast, Campbell Parker, CEO DairyNZ, and Bryan Gibson, Farmers Weekly Managing Editor, discuss how authenticity can help us achieve big things in a time of rapid change. And for those considering Kellogg in 2025, Campbell talks about his involvement with the Programme. 

Kellogg Programme Two starts mid-June and is now full – with a waiting list. 2024’s Programme One completes Phase Three over the week of 8-12 July, when Scholars present their research. And, in perhaps a landmark moment, nine Scholars with their Kellogg locked away, joined Lincoln University’s Graduation Day last week to receive their Post Graduate Certificate in Commerce. 

The final pilot of Engage (a Food and Fibre 101) ran over three days earlier this month. Engage features speakers, a little theory and a day of farm visits – this time to Malcom Cairns’ arable/mixed operation and one of Matt Iremonger’s dairy units. Engage is an effective way to induct or refresh the knowledge of team members – especially those entering into farmer-facing roles.

The 2024 Nuffield Biennial Conference, one of Nuffield’s key events, runs for three days next week in Taranaki. Limited to alumni, their partners and Rural Leaders’ investing partners, this year’s Biennial ‘New Energy’, looks at innovative businesses, new ideas, and features a line-up of speakers; including a panel of energy supply chain leaders.

The 2023 Nuffield Scholar research was released earlier this month. We share these topical and thought-provoking reports. In Alumni in the Spotlight you can see the first two of four interviews covering the reports and their authors on the CountryWide podcast.

Still with Nuffield, those planning to undertake a 2025 Scholarship Programme are invited to apply. Applications are now open and close 18 August. If you know someone in your network you feel should apply, why not refer them. Nuffield is a life-changing experience that really does open doors.

In the Rural Reader, Dr Patrick Aldwell’s latest book review is on Kawai, by Monty Soutar. It’s a helpful book in understanding te ao Māori prior to the arrival of Europeans. It’s also an introduction to the power of lineage (Kawai) and the consequences and leadership associated with that. 

We hope you enjoy this issue of the Rural Leader.

The Team at Rural Leaders.

Ideas that grow podcast.

Campbell Parker – Leading with authenticity in a fast-changing sector.

Farmers Weekly Managing Editor Bryan Gibson speaks to Campbell Parker, Chief Executive Officer at DairyNZ.

Campbell discusses his involvement with the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and how leading with authenticity can go a long way to helping us all achieve big things in a time of rapid change.

Click here to listen to Campbell’s podcast or read the transcript.

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A new report by Rural Leaders in collaboration with Food and Fibre CoVE.

This is the third report and it completes the first phase of the leadership project collaboration between Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence and the
New Zealand Rural leadership Trust.

The report provides a much-needed framework for our sector to develop a flow of prepared leaders to step into ever more impactful roles. 

“A sustained flow of capable and self-aware leaders is critical to the Food and Fibre sector remaining vital and vibrant into the future. The Sector needs leaders that are continuously developing themselves and the teams they work with.” 
Lisa Rogers, CEO, Rural Leaders.

You can read a short article and download the report here.

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Two new faces on NZRLT board.

Paul Crick and Jack Cocks have joined the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (NZRLT) Board in recent months. They join Kate Scott, Chair, Rebecca Hyde, Murray King and Steve Wilkins, Trustees, and Hamish Fraser, Independent Trustee.

Both Trustees bring a range of valuable skills to the governance table – and both bring their energy for the Sector and its people.

Paul Crick farms sheep, beef and deer in the Wairarapa with his partner Dayanne. Paul has a 30-year background in agriculture and education.

Paul is a Council Member on Muka Tangata, the Workforce Development Council for People Food and Fibre, and is the Chair of the Beef and Lamb Farmer Council Executive. Paul joins the NZRLT as an Independent Trustee.

You can learn more about Paul here.

Jack Cocks joins the NZRLT as an Associate Trustee. Jack is an Otago high country farmer and holds a masters in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois.

Jack suffered a life-threatening aneurysm eleven years ago which led him to study and research resilience. Jack is a sought-after speaker on adversity, resilience and wellbeing. 

You can learn more about Jack here.

A Kellogg and a Post Graduate Certificate in Commerce.

Kellogg Scholars (from left) Renee Fa’atui, Tessa Appleby, Rose Hyslop, Jemima Snook, Vanessa Thomson, Matt Smith, Alison Bentley, Nick Jolly, Jake Kitson graduated with Lincoln University last week. Rural Leaders’ Lisa Rogers and Lyndsey Dance attended along with Dr Patrick Aldwell (who took this image).

In addition to their Kellogg, the pictured group now have a Post Graduate Certificate in Commerce. It is possible to concurrently achieve a Kellogg qualification and the PG Cert. from Lincoln University, for those who meet the entry criteria. You’ll need to enrol for this prior to starting the Programme.

Congratulations to this year’s graduates and if you’re considering doing your Kellogg in 2025, adding the PG Cert. is a powerful addition to your professional development, and your CV.

 

Kellogg Programme One 2025 key dates.

While 2024’s Programmes are full, we are taking applications for 2025’s Programme One.
Check out the key dates or apply below.

Lincoln: 21 January – 11 July, 2025

Phase One (Lincoln):
Tuesday 21 January – Wednesday 29 January 2025.

Phase Two (Wellington):
Monday 7 April – Friday 11 April 2025.

Phase Three (Lincoln):
Monday 7 July – Friday 11 July 2025.

(Applications close Sunday 17 November).

Apply for 2025’s Programme One.

The 2023 Nuffield Programme.

(Image left to right: Kerry Worsnop, Kylie Leonard, Matt Iremonger, James Allen). 

For four Nuffield Scholars one journey ends, another begins.

After over a year of immersion within the global Nuffield network; whether that be on the key programme milestones such as the GFP, CSC or on research travel, the 2023 Nuffield Scholars’ have completed their reports.

For the 2023 cohort their Nuffield Programme has come to an end. As Nuffield alumni the next chapter is an ever richer, deeper involvement with a community of people passionate about the advancement Aotearoa NZ’s Food and Fibre sector, its people, their communities and the industries they dedicate themselves to. 

Another grounded group of people, all a pleasure to spend time with, and all great at what they do. Take a look at the 2023 reports here.

Nuffield Biennial 23-26 May.

New Energy – The 2024 Nuffield Biennial Conference.

There’s less than a week to go until the Nuffield Biennial Conference begins in New Plymouth, Taranaki. For Nuffield alumni, their partners and Rural Leaders’ investing partners attending, download the Programme below. 

This key Nuffield event runs 23-26 May with a strong line-up of new technology and innovation, visits, speakers, networking and some of the best produce from the Taranaki region. 

The Conference ‘New Energy’ features an energy supply chain panel of industry experts, including: Catherine Clennett, Christo Janse van Rensburg, and Justine Gilliland.

See you in New Plymouth.

The 2025 Nuffield Scholar search.

Just 189 Scholars in nearly 75 years.

The Nuffield network in New Zealand is a small group, doing big things, humbly. We’re looking for our bold, grounded and community-minded to step up as Nuffield Scholar 190, 191, 192, 193 and possibly 194. 

If you’re ready to undertake a truly unique learning experience. If you are ready to give back to your community, industry and sector, Nuffield is for you.

Nuffield is a unique learning experience.

A Nuffield Farming Scholarship is one of the most valued and prestigious awards in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Food and Fibre sector. Nuffield is part of a global food network promoting global vision, leadership and innovation.

Six attributes of a Nuffielder.

The scholar selection process will look for evidence that these attributes exist or have the potential to emerge in an applicant. These attributes are: bold, innovative, motivated, perceptive, community-minded, and grounded. Take a read of a short article to learn more.

Sound like you?

Apply by 18 August here.

Alumni in the Spotlight: Michael Tayler, Lucie Douma, Matt Iremonger, James Allen, Carlos Bagrie and Tessa Appleby.

Carrots, barley and BovineTB – there’s a bit going on with Rural Leaders’ alumni.

This Alumni in the Spotlight only scratches the surface of media mentions for alumni. There are so many programme alumni doing positive work across the Sector. We do our best to stay across this, but if you see, or hear of work being done by an alum you think should get a mention (even from outside media coverage), let
us know.

In the meantime, take a read of this Alumni in the Spotlight here.

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The Rural Reader: Dr Patrick Aldwell reviews Kawai by Monty Soutar.

Dr Patrick Aldwell reviews another excellent book with both leadership themes and concepts that help all New Zealanders understand their country’s rich past.

As Patrick describes it, the author Keith Newman, discusses the people, events and misinterpretations that have led to the ongoing complexities behind this history. 

Take a read of Patrick’s review here.

News from our Partners.

DairyNZ, New Strategy.

From 1 June, DairyNZ will adopt a more focused approach to how they deliver value for farmers and the Sector. This includes three clear priorities that drive nine programmes of work.

Learn more here.

DairyNZ, Dairy Industry Awards.

These awards are a great opportunity to continue supporting farmers to share their positive stories with the public, which has been building greater momentum over the past year. 

See who won here.

Industry news.

Men’s Muster – an empowering men’s well-being event. 

This event is set to take place in the picturesque town of 
Te Anau from 13th-15th of June 2024.

“Prepare to embark on a transformative journey as we invite you to join us for three days filled with enriching activities, captivating speakers, and memorable experiences!”

This year, the event is anchored by the powerful theme: ‘Conquer Your Predators.’ The event aims to explore and overcome the challenges and obstacles that often lurk in the shadows of men’s lives and features an incredible line-up of speakers.

“Join us in Te Anau this June for an unforgettable experience that will empower you to conquer your predators and embrace your full potential.”

You can register here.

Leadership opportunities.

Trsutees, Trust Tairawhiti. 

We are looking for expressions of interest for two trustees to join the Trust Tairawhiti board. Leaders passionate about representing the interests and preserving and further enhancing the assets of the community as a whole.

In addition to an affinity to Gisborne and Te Tairāwhiti region, we are seeking candidates who ideally have.

Learn more here.

 

Our programmes work in partnership with some of New Zealand’s leading agribusiness organisations – click here for more.​